A gentle paw of encouragement
Georgina is one of our incredible HPHH Mackay participants and she recently decided to change her regular sessions, stepping into a new one, meeting new people, forming new relationships, and navigating a different group dynamic.
What she brought with her was the depth of animal care and training knowledge she has developed over time.
Ringo, a Kelpie / Australian Cattle Dog (Mixed), had also only just begun joining the group. The week prior, he entered the room timidly, showing fearful behaviour, particularly around males (of which there were three in the room). This week, Ringo returned with a little more confidence.
Noticing the slight positive shift in Ringo’s behaviour, Georgina chose to sit on the floor and engage him in gentle training, selecting “shake.”
When Ringo initially pulled his paw back, Georgina didn’t force the interaction. Instead, she demonstrated remarkable patience and understanding. She gave him choice. Rather than lifting his paw into position, she softly rested her hand near his paw, allowing him to decide what he was comfortable with.
At first, Ringo kept his distance. Slowly, in his own time, he inched closer. He stopped withdrawing his paw and allowed Georgina to rest her hand gently on it. After about a minute of this position, she was able to softly lift his paw.
It was a beautiful demonstration of calm, empathy and skill. Georgina didn’t rush, push or demand. She listened, observed and respected Ringo’s choice.
Moments like this reflect the true heart of HPHH: building confidence, nurturing trust, and creating safe spaces where both participants and animals can grow together.
We are so proud of Georgina and so grateful to have her as part of our sessions where she can positively contribute to the group’s animal interactions and make a real difference to the enrichment of the animals in care at RSPCA Mackay.
Georgina’s patient process of encouraging Ringo closer, getting him comfortable to be close enough to sit and let Georgina place her hand on his paw.